Former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley recently spotlighted Candice LeRae as one of the most underrated talents in WWE’s women’s division. In an insightful interview with SPORTBible, Ripley praised LeRae’s wrestling intelligence, veteran presence, and underutilization on WWE programming, emphasizing how many skilled female superstars still lack sufficient opportunities to shine.
Ripley’s Praise for an Overlooked Veteran
During the interview, Ripley acknowledged the depth of talent in WWE’s women’s roster but pointed out that many performers don’t receive enough television time or chances to display their full potential. Highlighting her longtime colleague, Ripley said,
“Someone that I love is Candice LeRae. Going through NXT with her, I saw how her brain works and how she goes out there as the vet in the ring. She knows what to do, keeps everyone calm, and she’s got ideas. I wish someone like her would get more of an opportunity.”[2][3][4]
Ripley’s words underscore not only LeRae’s technical ability but also her mentorship and ring psychology, which help elevate those around her during matches. This veteran savvy is a critical, often overlooked asset in WWE’s fast-paced environment.
Candice LeRae’s WWE Journey and Current Status
Candice LeRae made a name for herself on the NXT brand, impressing fans and peers alike with her versatile in-ring style and gritty toughness. Despite her consistent performances and fan support, her appearances on the main roster—currently aligned with her husband Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa on WWE SmackDown—have been sporadic. Since her participation in the Battle Royal at WWE Evolution, LeRae has not been a regular fixture in WWE’s active storylines or match cards[1][2].
Sources close to WWE suggest that while LeRae remains highly respected backstage for her ring knowledge and work ethic, creative direction has yet to capitalize fully on her abilities. According to a WWE insider,
“Candice is seen as a cornerstone for developing talent and a dependable hand in the ring, but creative hasn’t found the right moment to push her as a singles competitor. Many believe that’s a missed opportunity.”[1]
Why LeRae Deserves More Spotlight
Rhea Ripley’s remarks tap into a broader debate among wrestling fans and analysts about WWE’s women’s division booking. Many agree that athletes like LeRae bring a rare combination of technical skill, storytelling capability, and experience that could enhance weekly television and pay-per-view shows if given a more prominent platform.
LeRae’s history of working both as a singles competitor and in tag team contexts—most notably with Gargano—demonstrates her versatility. Furthermore, her ability to control match pace and execute compelling psychology makes her a valuable asset as both a performer and a locker room leader[2][3].
The Women’s Division: A Deep Talent Pool
Rhea Ripley’s larger point about the underutilization of women in WWE is not limited to Candice LeRae. The roster includes many wrestlers who fans believe should get more creative focus and meaningful storylines. Ripley noted,
“It’s hard to pinpoint anyone specifically, but I feel like there’s a lot, especially in the women’s division. So many women are amazing at what they do but don’t get enough TV time or opportunities to showcase their talents.”[1][4]
This sentiment highlights ongoing challenges WWE faces in balancing a deep women’s roster and ensuring consistent exposure for all its stars.
What’s Next for Candice LeRae?
Industry watchers are hopeful that WWE will heed calls from stars like Ripley and fans alike to elevate talents such as LeRae. With her proven ring acumen and veteran presence, many insiders believe she is ready for a more sustained push that could reinvigorate the SmackDown women’s division.
One source close to WWE creative commented,
“Candice’s understanding of in-ring storytelling could lead to fresh matchups and rivalries. It’s simply a matter of timing and a creative storyline to bring her back into the spotlight as a singles competitor.”
As WWE continues to evolve its women’s division, the demand for quality wrestling and compelling characters suggests that overlooked stars like Candice LeRae could soon receive the platform they deserve.
Rhea Ripley’s outspoken recognition of Candice LeRae as a vastly underrated talent sheds light on an ongoing issue in WWE: the need to better utilize skilled performers in the women’s roster. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if WWE responds by giving LeRae and other underexposed female wrestlers the opportunities they merit.